Do you have weak, fragile nails? This part of the body is often neglected. But why? Well, it’s not consider to be of great importance, especially since they’re so small.
Your nails grow on the epidermis from your fingers and toes, and are they exposed to all things from the outside world. They scratch surfaces and often break upon making contact.
Why do they break? A lot of times the cause is due to a lack of glycine, which is an amino acid that renews the production of collagen. A lack of glycine makes nails fragile and grow abnormally. This is why the production of collagen is so important for healthy nails.
Sometimes, nails become weak due to an injury or fungal infection like onychomycosis or psoriasis of the nail bed. Below you can go over symptoms of weak nails.
Symptoms
- Deformities
- Flakiness
- Splintering upon light contact
- Layers peeling off constantly
- Soft keratin buildup underneath the nail
Causes
Some possible causes are:
- Biting your nails. It can seriously damage the cuticles and cause deformities.
- Using metal nail files. Be careful using these if you have weak nails. Emery boards are better, and don’t forget to only file in one direction.
- Nutrient imbalances. They can cause problems both inside and outside your body. Your nails contain keratin, a protein that needs vitamin, minerals, and amino acids to keep your nails healthy.
- Using harsh soaps. Certain cleansers can be very abrasive.
- Wearing improper footwear. This could be the reason you have weak toe nails; footwear that isn’t breathable can cause fungus to grow.
Home Remedies to Help You Strengthen Weak Nails
1. Brewer’s yeast
Since brewer’s yeast contains vitamin B and biotin, as well as zinc, it helps regenerate tissues and to strengthen weak nails. It’s best to consume during the morning for the best results in order for the body to have time to digest it properly. You can find it in powder, liquid, or tablet form.
2. Olive oil and lemon juice
Olive oil detoxifies, cleanses, and deeply hydrates the nail area. However, when you mix it with lemon juice it also minimizes and even removes spots.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp. of olive oil (10 g)
- the juice from 1 squeezed lemon
Instructions:
- To start, add the oil to a container and then mix the lemon juice in.
- Then moisten a cotton ball with the mixture and spread it over your nails.
- Repeat twice a week.
3. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains vitamins and plenty of minerals, including potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron. Along with acetic and malic acid, it helps fight nail infections and to strengthen weak nails.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar (30 ml)
- 2 tbsp. of water (30 ml)
Instructions:
- Start by mixing equal amounts apple cider vinegar and water together.
- Then use a cotton ball to soak your nails for a few minutes.
- Next push back your cuticles to remove dead skin cells and residue.
- Repeat once a day.
4. Horsetail
Horsetail contains high amounts of silicon, a mineral your body needs to keep your nails strong and healthy. Plus, if you have white spots, it will remove them.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp. of horsetail herb (20 g)
- 1 cup of water (150 ml)
Instructions:
- First of all, heat the water and add the horsetail.
- Let it infuse for 10 minutes.
- Then chill the mixture and soak your nails for 20 minutes.
- Repeat 3 or 4 times a week.
5. Tea tree oil
If your nails are brittle because of an infection or fungus, then tea tree oil will help you to strengthen weak nails because it’s a natural antiseptic. It will also keep your nails from turning yellowish.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp. of vitamin E oil (10 g)
- 1 tsp. of tea tree oil (10 g)
Instructions:
- Mix the vitamin E oil with the tea tree oil.
- Rub it into your nails, making circular motions.
- Then let it sit for 20 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water and dry.
- Repeat twice a week.
If you want to look great and keep your nails strong, don’t forget that you need to eat a healthy diet, exercise, and stay away from stress.
Via: TinyQualityHomes | LiveStrong
